4. Ecosystems and food webs

Question 1

Define an ecosystem.

Answer 1

All the living and non-living things in an area.

Question 2

Describe the key features of the grassland ecosystem.

Answer 2

Large open spaces, lots of sunlight, hot in summer and cold in winter, enough rain for grasses but not trees. Many wild animals live there.

Question 3

Describe the key features of the river ecosystem.

Answer 3

Freshwater systems with bright sunlight and shady banks. Reeds in the water and small plants and trees on the banks. Animals include fish, insects and birds.

Question 4

Describe the key features of the pond ecosystem.

Answer 4

Plenty of sunlight, shade on the edges, cool under water and soil is damp around the ponds. Plants include reeds and water lilies and animals include fish, insects, frogs and birds.

Question 5

Describe the key features of the forest ecosystem.

Answer 5

Shady and cool with plenty of water and damp soil. Plants like ferns, mosses and trees. Animals such as buck, snakes, mice and birds.

Question 6

What is a ‘food web’

Answer 6

A food web is a number of linked food chains that shows the feeding relationships between plants and animals.

Question 7

What do we call plants because they make their own food?

Answer 7

Producers

Question 8

What do we call plants or animals that feed on other plants or animals?

Answer 8

Consumers

Question 9

What are decomposers?

Answer 9

Micro-organisms that break down dead plant and animal matter.